^correspondence

2025

Muliawan GK, Lee TK^. Metabolic Reprogramming in Macrophages: A Glutamine Rescue in β-Catenin Mutant Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2025;  doi: 10.1097/HEP.0000000000001619. 

Leung CON#^, Gurung S#, Chung KPS#, Leung RWH, Lei MM, Chan MSM, Muliawan GK, Khan SA, Wu XQ, Yu J, Zhu HL, Lu YY, Ma S, Wu XP, Hoo RL, Lee TK^. Adipocyte-derived FABP4 promotes metabolism-associated steatotic liver-induced hepatocellular carcinoma by driving ITGB1-mediated β-catenin activation. J Clin Invest 2025; 135(24):e182322.

Clevers H, Sharma A, Mani SA, Golebiewska A, Behrens A, Tam WL, Deleyrolle L, Liu H, Ganesh K, Khaled WT, Sikandar S, Lee TK, Miller TE, Tang DG, Singh S, Li VS^, Lathia JD^, Ma S^. Advancing cancer biology: highlights from the 2025 FASEB SRC on Cellular Plasticity in cancer. Cancer Heterog Plast 2025; 2(4):10.47248/chp2502040018. 

Lei MML, Leung CON, Leung RWH, Wu XQ, Chung KPS, Gu CY, Chan MSM, Chau WK, Mu QH, Ng JK, Tong M, Yun JP, Teo JM, Ling CS, Wong PP, Chan SL, Xiong ZW, Cheng AS, Ding J, Ma S, Lee TK^. Wild-type KRAS activation drives evasion of interferon-mediated immunity and resistance to immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2025, 16:9913.  

Zhang XF#, Zuo XY#, Zhu Y#, Li JX#, Xian JS, Zhang WX, Cheng W, Yuan J, Gong YF, Tang H, Yang XQ, Su YY, Zhang CY, Liu SS, Huang L, Wang H, Li MM, Xi SY, Tang YQ, Zhou L,Lee TK, Ma S, Guan XY, Ma NF, Zhang Y^, Liu M^. Targeting cell-state plasticity driven by FOXM1/CEBPB axis disrupts developmental heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma.  J Hepatol 2025; S0168-8278(25)02517-6. #equal contribution

Li MYS, Wu XQ^, Lee TK^. Harnessing the Microbiome: Unveiling the Influence of the Gut Microbiota on Liver Cancer Therapeutic Strategies. Clin Mol Hepatol 2025,doi: 10.3350/cmh.2025.0476. 

Leung RW, Wong CTT^, Lee TK^. Chimeric Antigen Receptor Macrophages: A New Frontier in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment.  Cancer Bio Med 2025; j.issn.2095-3941.2025.0427.

Ng KY#, Koo TY#, Huang IB, Lee TK, Fong TL, Gao Y, Wong TL, Gao Y, Yun JP, Guan XY, Liu M, Chung CY^, Ma S^. AGPAT4 targeted covalent inhibitor potentiates targeted therapy to overcome cancer cell plasticity in hepatocellular carcinoma mouse models. Sci Transl Med 2025; 17(809):eadn9472. #equal contribution

Chan KK, Wong CY, Au KY, Suen LH, Yip WW, Zhang JM, Fung YM, Lee TK, Ng IO, Cheung TT, Lo RC. Secreted lumican from the tumor microenvironment potentiates hepatocellular carcinoma stemness and progression. Hepatol Commun 2025,9(9):e0778.

Khan SA^, Yang HH, Ying F, Chu CN, Lee TK^. Polypharmacology-Driven Discovery of ZAK-I-57: A Potent Multi-Targeted Benzoxazinone Small Molecule for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy. MedComm 2025, 6(8):e70291.

Chan MS, Lee TK^. Reply to correspondence on “Unveiling TRIB3: A New Mediator in MET-Driven Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression. Clin Mol Hepatol 2025,doi: 10.3350/cmh.2025.0530. 

Wu XQ^, Lee TK^. Influence of the gut microbiota on the response to immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatoma Res 2025, 11:16.

Chan MS, Lee TK^. Unveiling TRIB3: A New Mediator in MET-Driven Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression. Clin Mol Hepatol 2025, doi: 10.3350/cmh.2025.0452. 

Lee TK^, Ma S^. PROX1: a key regulator of hepatocyte identity and tumorigenesis. Cancer Res  2025; 85(11):1957-1959.

Yuan CR, Lee TK^. TM4SF1 – A new immune target for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: Editorial on “Targeting TM4SF1 promotes tumor senescence enhancing CD8+ T cell cytotoxic function in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Mol Hepatol 2025, 31(2):646-649.
 

Yang HH, Lei, MM, Xie LF, Shou Y, Lee TK^. Deciphering adenosine signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: pathways, prognostic models, and therapeutic implications. Clin Mol Hepatol 2025, 2025 Feb 5. doi: 10.3350/cmh.2024.1068.

Wu XQ*, Ying F*, Chung KPS*, Leung CON, Leung RWH, So KK, Lei MM, Chau WK, Tong M, Yu J, Wei D, Tai WCS, Ma S, Lu YY^, Lee TK^. Intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila complements the efficacy of PD1 therapy in MAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Rep Med 2025; 6(1):101900.

Teo JM, Chen Z, Chen W, Tan R, Cao Q, Chu Y, Ma D, Chen L, Yu H, Lam KH, Lee TK, Chakarov S, Becher B, Zhang N, Li Z, Ma S, Xue R, Ling GS. Tumor-associated neutrophils attenuate the immuno-sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Med 2025; 222(1):e20241442.

Lei MM, Lee TK^. Reply to correspondence on “UBE2S: A novel driver of HIF-1alpha-induced metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma”. Clin Mol Hepatol 2025; 31(1):281-285.

Lei MM, Lee TK^. UBE2S: A novel driver of HIF-1alpha-induced metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma: Editorial on “UBE2S promotes glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma by enhancing E3 enzyme-independent polyubiquitination of VHL”. Clin Mol Hepatol 2025; 31(1):e119-e120. 

Leung RW, Lee TK^. Identification of KCTD17 as a Ras stabilizer in hepatocellular carcinoma: Editorial on “KCTD17-mediated Ras stabilization promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression”. Clin Mol Hepatol 2025;31(1):304-307.

2024

Loh JJ*, Ng KY*, Huang IB, Deng M, Wang Y, Man KF, Lam KH, Lee TK, Tan JY, Cui Y, Yu H, Wong TL, Gao Y, Yun JP, Ma S^. DGKH-mediated phosphatidic acid oncometabolism as a driver of self-renewal and therapy resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2024; accepted.

Muliawan GK, Lee TK^. The roles of cancer stem cell-derived secretory factors in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400112.

Chau WK, Lee TK^. Covalent conjugation of AZD8055 with unsaturated fatty acids for the development of mTOR nanoblockers: Increasing the therapeutic efficacy of hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. EBioMed 2024;103:105113.

Xie Y, Wu H, He Y, Liu L, Huang IB, Zhou L, Lin CY, Leung RW, Loh JJ, Lee TK, Ding J, Man K, Ma S^, Tong M^. Targeting AXL induces tumor-intrinsic immunogenic response in tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15(2):110.

2023

Man KF#, Zhou L#, Yu HJ, Lam KH, Cheng W, Yu J, Lee TK, Yun JP, Guan XY, Liu M, Ma S^. SPINK1-induced tumor plasticity provides a therapeutic window for chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2023;14(1):7863. #equal contribution

Lu Y, Chan YT, Wu J, Feng Z, Yuan H, Li Q, Xing T, Xu L, Zhang C, Tan HY, Lee TK, Feng Y, Wang N. CRISPR/Cas9 screens unravel miR-3689a-3p regulating sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via suppressing CCS/SOD1-dependent mitochondrial oxidative stress. Drug Resist Update 2023; 71:101015,

Leung CON, Yang Y, Leung RW, So KK, Guo HJ, Lei MM, Muliawan GK, Gao Y, Yu QQ, Yun JP, Ma S, Zhao Q^, Lee TK^. Broad-spectrum kinome profiling identifies CDK6 upregulation as a driver of lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2023;14(1):6699.

Khan SA^, Chan KY, Lee TK^. Global Trajectory and Future Prospects of Metronomic Chemotherapy Research: A Scientometric Analysis (2000-2022). Cancer Lett 2023; :576:216401.

Zhang XZ, Gao S, Li N, Chen JY, Ji CY, Li XX, Jiang LW, Lee TK, Keng VW, Zhao YX. An autophagy-inducing stapled peptide induces mitochondria dysfunction and triggers autotic cell death in triple negative breast cancer. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9(1):303. 

Xu Y#*, Yao Y#, Liang Y#, Zhang X, Mao XW, Tey SK, Wong SWK, Yeung CLS, Ng TM, Wong MYM, Che CM, Lee TK, Gao Y, Cui Y, Yam JWP*. Clathrin light chain A-enriched small extracellular vesicles remodel microvascular niche to induce hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. J Extracell Vesicles 2023; 12(8):e12359.

Cybulski JD^, Leung KS, Leung CO, Baker DM, Lee TK^. Protocol to track the biosynthesis of cholesterol in cultured HCC cells using ¹³C compound-specific stable isotopic tracers. STAR Protocols 2023, 4, 102506.

Khan SA^, Lee TK^. Identifying potential pharmacological targets and molecular pathways of Meliae cortex for COVID-19 therapy. Front Immunol 2023;14:1128164.

Yu H, Zhou L, Loong JH, Lam KH, Wong TL, Ng KY, Tong M, Ma VW, Wang Y, Zhang X, Lee TK, Yun JP, Yu J, Ma S. SERPINA12 promotes the tumorigenic capacity of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells through hyperactivation of AKT/β-catenin signaling. Hepatology  2023;78(6):1711-1726.

Ying F^#, Chan MS^#, Lee TK^. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023;15(4):985-999.

2022

Yan T, Huang C, Lei J, Guo Q, Su G, Wu T, Jin X, Peng C, Cheng J, Zhang L, Liu Z, Lee TK, Ying F, Liangpunsakul S, Li Y, Lu Y. Development and Validation of a nomogram for forecasting survival of alcohol related hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Front Oncol 2022;12:976445.

Leung RW, Lee TK^. Wnt/β-catenin signaling as a driver of stemness and metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancers 2022; 14(21):5468.

Lei MM^#, Leung CON^#, Lau EY^#, Leung RW, Ma VW, Tong M, Lu YY, Huang CY, Zhu QH, Ng IO, Ma S, Lee TK^. SCYL3, as a novel binding partner and regulator of ROCK2, promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression. JHEP Rep 2022:5(1):100604.

Wun CK^#, Mok HK^#, Chen T^#, Wu TS, Taniya K, Nakagawa K, Day S, Tang CC, Huang Z, Su H, Yu WY^, Lee TK^, Lo TWB^. Atomically dispersed 3d metal bimetallic dual-atom catalysts and classification of the structural descriptors. Chem Catalysis 2022; 2(9):2346-2363.

Wong MT, Wong TL, Zhou L, Man K, Purcell J, Lee TK, Yun JP, Ma S. Protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7) promotes metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma under SOX9 regulation and TGF-β signaling. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022;15(1):13-37.

Ying F, Lee TK^.  A special issue of Essays in Biochemistry on cancer stem cells. Essays Biochem; 2022;66(4):287-289. 

Khan SA^, Lee TK^. Investigations of Nitazoxanide Molecular Targets and Pathways for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:968148.

Khan SA^, Lee TK^. Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking-Based Investigations of Kochiae Fructus’s Active Phytomolecules, Molecular Targets, and Pathways in Treating COVID-19. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:972576.

Mok EH^#, Leung CO^#, Zhou L, Lei MM, Leung HW, Tong M, Wong TL, Lau EY, Ng IO, Ding J, Yun JP, Yu J, Zhu HL, Lin CH, Lindholm D, Leung KS, Cybulski JD, Baker DM, Ma S, Lee TK^. Caspase 3-induced SREBP2 activation drives drug resistance through the promotion of cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res 2022; 82(17):3102-3115.

Chu CN, Lee TK^. Targeting protein kinases in cancer stem cells. Essays Biochem; 2022;66(4):399-412.

Khan SA^, Lee TK^. Network Pharmacology Based Study on Active Phytochemicals and Molecular Mechanism of Cnidium monnieri in treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci; 2022; 23,5400.

Gu CY, Lee TK^. CircTUBD1: A novel circular RNA molecule as a therapeutic target in radiation induced liver fibrosis. J Clin Transl Hepatol; 2022; 10(4):571–573.

Gu CY, Lee TK^. Preclinical mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma: An overview and update. Exp Cell Res 2022;412(2):113042.

Shen J, Yang C, Zhang MS, Chin WC, Chan FF, Law CT, Wang GC, Cheng CL, Chen M, Wan RT, Wu M, Kuang Z, Sharma R, Lee TK, Ng IO Wong CC#, Wong CM#. Histone chaperone FACT complex coordinates with HIF to mediate expeditious transcription program to adapt to poorly oxygenated cancers. Cell Rep  2022;38(5):11030.

Tey SK^#, Wong SW^#, Chan JY, Mao XW, Ng TH, Yeung CL, Leung Z, Fung HL, Tang AH, Wong DK, Mak LY, Yuen MF, Sin CF, Ng IO, Ma S, Lee TK, Cao PH, Zhong K, Gao Y, Yun JP, Yam JW. Patient pIgR-enriched extracellular vesicles drive cancer stemness, tumorigenesis and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2022; 76:883-95.

Lee TK, Guan XY, Ma S. Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: a review from origin to clinical implications. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022;19(1):26-44.

2021

JJ, Li TW, Zhou L, Wong TL, Liu X, Ma VW, Lo CM, Man K, Lee TK, Ning W, Tong M^, Ma S^. FSTL1 secreted by activated fibroblasts promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis and stemness. Cancer Res 2021; 81(22):5692-5705. 

Mok KC, Tsoi H, Man EPS, Leung MH, Chau KM, Wong LS, Chan WL, Chan SY, Luk MY, Chan JYW, Leung JKM, Chan YHY, Batalha S, Lau V, Siu DCW, Lee TK, Gong C, Khoo US. Repurposing hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels as a novel therapy for breast cancer. Clin Transl Med, 2021;11(11):e578. 

Leung RW^#, Ho NP^#, Leung CO#, LEE TK^. UBE2T: A new molecular regulator of cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2021;12: 1727–1728.

Tong M, Wong TL, Zhao H, Zhang Y, Xie YN, Li CH, Zhou L, Che N, Yun JP, Man K, Lee TK, Cai Z, Ma S. Loss of tyrosine catabolic enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase HPD promotes glutamine anaplerosis through mTOR signaling in liver cancer. Cell Rep 2021; 36(8):109617.

Chung KPS^#, Leung RW^#, Lee TK^. Hampering stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic strategy to destem cancer stem cells. Cancers 2021; 13(13):3191. 

Lei MM, Lee TK^. Cancer stem cells: emerging key players in immune evasion of cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:692940. 

Leung HW^#, Leung CO^#, Lau EY, Chung KPS, Mok EH, Lei MM, Leung RW, Tong M, Keng VW, Ma C, Zhao Q, Ng IO, Ma S, Lee TK^. EPHB2 activates β-catenin to enhance cancer stem cell properties and drive sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res 2021; 81(12):3229-3240.

Loong JH, Wong TL, Tong M, Sharma R, Zhou L, Ng KY, Yu HJ, Li CH, Man K, Lo CM, Guan XY, Lee TK, Yun JP, Ma S. Glucose deprivation induced aberrant FUT1-mediated fucosylation drives cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Invest 2021; 131(11):e143377.

Lei MM, Lee TK^. Orchestrating the crosstalk between liver cancer cells and neutrophils via the CLCF1-mediated CXCL6/TGF-β axis. Hepatology 2021;73(5):1631-1633.

Ng KY, Shea QT, Wong TL, Luk ST, Tong M, Lo CM, Man K, Yun JP, Guan XY, Lee TK, Zheng YP, Ma S. Chemotherapy enriched THBS2-deficient cancer stem cells drive hepatocarcinogenesis through matrix softness induced histone H3 modifications. Adv Sci 2021; 8:2002483.

Chan LK, Ho DW, Kam CS, Chiu EY, Lo IL, Yau DT, Cheung ET, Tang CN, Tang VW, Lee TK, Wong CC, Chok KS, Chan AC, Cheung TT, Wong CM, Ng IO. RSK2-inactivating mutations potentiate MAPK signaling and support cholesterol metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2021; 74: 360.

Huang YH^#, Zhang CZ^#, Huang QS^#, Yeong J, Wang F, Yang X, He YF, Zhang XL, Zhang H, Chen SL, Zheng YL, Deng R, Lin CS, Yang MM, Li Y, Jiang C, Lee TK, Ma S, Zeng MS, Yun JP. Clinicopathologic features, tumor immune microenvironment and genomic landscape of EBV-associated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. J Hepatol 2021;74(4):838-849.

Che N^#, Ng KY^#, Wong TL, Tong M, Kau PW, Chan LH, Lee TK, Huen MS, Yun JP, Ma S. PRMT6 deficiency induces autophagy in hostile microenvironments of hepatocellular carcinoma tumors by regulating BAG5-associated HSC70 stability. Cancer Lett 2021; 501:247-62 #equal contribution

Ho NP^#, Leung CO^#, Wong TL, Lau EY, Lei MM, Mok EH, Leung HW, Tong M, Ng IO, Yun JP, Ma S, Lee TK^. The interplay of UBE2T and Mule in regulating Wnt/β-catenin activation to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Cell Death Dis 2021;12(2):148.

2020

Mao XW^#, Tey SK^#, Yeung CLS, Kwong EML, Fung YME, Chung CYS, Mak LY, Wong DKH, Yuen MF, Ho JCM, Pang H, Wong MP, Leung CON, Lee TK, Ma V, Cho WCS, Cao PH, Xu X, Gao Y, Yam JWP. Nidogen 1-enriched extracellular vesicles facilitate extrahepatic metastasis of liver cancer by activating pulmonary fibroblasts to secrete tumor necrosis factor receptor 1. Adv Sci 2020; 7(21): 2002157.

Mok EH, Lee TK^. The Pivotal Role of the Dysregulation of Cholesterol Homeostasis in Cancer: Implications for Therapeutic Targets. Cancers 2020;12(6):1410. doi: 10.3390/cancers12061410.

Mok EH, Leung CON, Lee TK^. MAP9/ERCC3 signaling cascade: A new insight on understanding the chromosomal instability in hepatocellular carcinoma. EBioMed 2020;54:102709. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102709

Leung MS, Chan KK, Dai WJ, Wong CY, Au KY, Wong PY, Wong CC, Lee TK, Ng IO, Kao WJ, Lo RC. Anti-tumor effects of PIM kinase inhibition on progression and chemoresistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Pathol 2020;252(1):65-76.

Leung CO^#, Tong M^#, Chung KP, Zhou L, Che N, Tang KH, Ding J, Lau EY, Ng IO, Ma S^, Lee TK^. Overriding adaptive resistance of sorafenib through combination therapy with SHP2 blockade in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2020; 72(1):155-68. #equal contribution

Leung HW^#, Lau EY^#, Leung CO, Lei MM, Mok EH, Ma V, Cho WC, Ng IO, Yun JP, Cai SH, Yu HJ, Ma S, Lee TK^. NRF2/SHH signaling cascade promotes tumor-initiating cell lineage and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2020; 476:48-56.

Luk ST, Ng KY, Zhou L, Tong M, Wong TL, Yu HJ, Lo CM, Man K, Guan XY, Lee TK, Ma S. Deficiency in embryonic stem cell marker REX1 activates MKK6-dependent p38 MAPK signaling to drive hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatology 2020; 72(1):183-97.

Wong TL, Ng KY, Tan KV, Chan LH, Zhou L, Che N, Hoo RL, Lee TK, Richard S, Lo CM, Man K, Khong PL, Ma S. CRAF methylation by PRMT6 regulates aerobic glycolysis driven hepatocarcinogenesis via ERK-dependent PKM2 nuclear relocalization and activation. Hepatology 2020; 71(4):1279-96.

Lee TK. Genetics: Gender (Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging, Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020 D. Gu, M. E. Dupre (eds.).

2019

Lei MM, Lee TK^. Genetics: Gene expression (Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging, Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019 D. Gu, M. E. Dupre (eds.).

Gurung S, Chung KP, Lee TK^. Emerging role of fatty acid binding proteins in cancer pathogenesis. Histol Histopathol 2019; 34 (1):1-12.

Ho DW, Tsui YM, Sze KM, Chan LK, Cheung TT, Lee E, Sham PC, Tsui SK, Lee TK, Ng IO. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals the landscape of intra-tumoral heterogeneity and stemness-related subpopulations in liver cancer. Cancer Lett 2019; 459:176-85.

2018

Chan LH^#, Zhou L^#, Ng KY^#, Wong TL^#, Lee TK, Sharma R, Loong JH, Ching YP, Yuan YF, Xie D, Lo CM, Man K, Artegiani B, Clevers H, Yan HH, Leung SY, Richard S, Guan XY, Huen MS, Ma S. PRMT6 regulates RAS/RAF binding and MEK/ERK-mediated cancer stemness activities in hepatocellular carcinoma through CRAF methylation. Cell Rep 2018; 25(3):690-701. #equal contribution

Tong M, Che N, Zhou L, Luk ST, Kau PW, Chai S, Ngan ES, Lo CM, Man K, Ding J, Lee TK, Ma S. Efficacy of annexin A3 blockade in sensitizing hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib and regorafenib. J Hepatol 2018; 69(4):826-39.

Cheng BY#, Lau EY#, Leung DH#, Ho NP, Cheng LK, Lin CH, Lo RC, Ma S, Ng IO, Lee TK^. IRAK1 augments cancer stemness and drug resistance via the AP-1/AKR1B10 signaling cascade in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res 2018; 78(9):2332-42. 

Lo RC, Leung CO, Chan KK, Ho DW, Wong CM, Lee TK, Ng IO. Cripto-1 contributes to stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma by stabilizing Dishevelled-3 and activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25(8):1426-41.

Gong C, Man EP, Tsoi H, Lee TK, Lee P, Ma ST, Wong LS, Luk MY, Rakha EA, Green AR, Ellis IO, Cheung KL, Khoo US. BQ323636.1, a novel splice variant to NCOR2, as a predictor for tamoxifen resistant breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24(15):3681-91.

2017

Zhang B, Zhang Y, Zou X, Chan AW, Zhang R, Lee TK, Liu H, Lau EY, Ho NP, Lai PB, Cheung YS, To KF, Wong HK, Choy KW, Keng VW, Chow LM, Chan KK, Cheng AS, Ko BC. CTCF-FOXM1 axis regulates tumor growth and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Pathol 2017; 243(4): 418-30.

Lau CC#, Ng KY#, Wong TL, Tong M, Lee TK, Ming XY, Law S, Lee NP, Cheung AL, Qin YR, Chan KW, Ning W, Guan XY, Ma S. FSTL1 promotes metastasis and chemoresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through NFκB-BMP signaling crosstalk. Cancer Res 2017; 77(21): 5886-99. #equal contribution

Li XF, Chen C, Xiang DM, Qu L, Sun W, Lu XY, Zhou TF, Chen SZ, Ning BF, Cheng Z, Xia MY, Shen WF, Yang W, Wen W, Lee TK, Cong WM, Wang HY, Ding J. Chronic inflammation-elicited liver progenitor cell conversion to liver cancer stem cell with clinical significance. Hepatology 2017; 66(6): 1934-51.

Ng KY, Chan LH, Chai S, Tong M, Guan XY, Lee NP, Yuan YF, Xie D, Lee TK, Dusetti NJ, Carrier A, Ma S. TP53INP1 down-regulation activates a p73-dependent DUSP10/ERK signaling pathway to promote metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res 2017; 77(17): 4602-12.

Ma MK, Lau EY, Leung DH, Lo J, Ho NP, Cheng LK, Ma S, Lin CH, Copland JA, Lo RC, Ng IO, Lee TK^. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase regulates sorafenib resistance via modulation of ER stress induced differentiation. J Hepatol 2017; 67(5): 979-90.

Wu CX, Xu A, Zhang CC, Olson P, Chen L, Lee TK, Cheung TT, Lo CM, Wang XQ. Notch inhibitor PF-03084014 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis via suppression of cancer stemness due to reduced activation of Notch1-Stat3. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16(8): 1531-43.

Tsui YM, Sze KM, Tung EK, Lee TK, Ng IO. Dishevelled-3 phosphorylation is governed by HIPK2/PPIcα/ITCH axis and the non-phosphorylated form promotes cancer stemness via LGR5 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8(24): 39430-42.

Cui CP, Wong CC, Kai AK, Ho DW, Lau EY, Tsui YM, Chan LK, Cheung TT, Chok KS, Chan AC, Lo RC, Lee JM, Lee TK, Ng IO. SENP1 promotes hypoxia-induced cancer stemness by HIF-1α deSUMOylation and SENP1/HIF-1α positive feedback loop. Gut 2017; 66(12): 2149-59.

Lau EY, Ho NP, Lee TK^. Cancer stem cells and their microenvironment: biology and therapeutic implications. Stem Cell Int 2017; 2017: 3714190.

Xiang DM, Wang X, Liu H, Cheng Z, Han T, Li XF, Sun W, Yang W, Chen C, Xia MY, Yang YC, Liu N, Yin SY, Jin GZ, Lee TK, Dong LW, Hu HP, Wang HY, Ding J. Shp2 promotes liver cancer stem cell expansion by augmenting β-catenin signaling and predicts chemotherapeutic response of patients. Hepatology 2017; 65(5): 1566-80.

Ching RH#, Sze MF#, Lau EY#, Chiu EY, Lee JM, Ng IO, Lee TK^. C-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus X protein regulates tumorigenicity, self-renewal and drug resistance via STAT3/Nanog signaling pathway. Oncotarget 2017;8(14): 23507-16. #equal contribution

2016

Ho PY, Lee TK^. Targeting immune checkpoint proteins as novel strategy for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver: Dis & Transplant 2016;5:2.

Chai S, Ng KY, Tong M, Lau EY, Lee TK, Chan KW, Yuan YF, Cheung TT, Cheung ST, Wang XQ, Wong N, Lo CM, Man K, Guan XY, Ma S. Octamer4/microR-1246 signaling axis drives Wnt/β-catenin activation in liver cancer stem cells. Hepatology 2016; 64(6): 2062-76.
Comment by Wu WK, et al. A transcriptional-microRNA network for β-catenin-driven stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. Transl Cancer Res 2016; in press.
Comment by Eshelman and Yochum. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is activated in miR-1246 in liver cancer stem cells. Transl Cancer Res 2016; in press.

Ma W, Sze KM, Chan LK, Lee JM, Wei LL, Wong CM, Lee TK,Wong CC, Ng IO. RhoE/ROCK2 regulates chemoresistance through NF-kappaB/IL-6/STAT3 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 7(27): 41445-59.

Leung CO, Mak WN, Kai AK, Chan KS, Lee TK, Ng IO, Lo RC. Sox9 confer stemness properties in hepatocellular carcioma through Frizzled-7 mediated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Oncotarget 2016; 7(20): 29371-86.

Lau EY, Lo J, Cheng BY, Ma MK, Lee MF, Ng KY, Chai S, Lin N, Tsang SY, Ma S, Ng IO, Lee TK^. Cancer-associated fibroblasts regulate tumor initiating cell plasticity in hepatocellular carcinoma through c-Met/FRA1/HEY1 signaling. Cell Rep 2016; 15(6): 1175-89.

Lau EY, Lee TK^. What are the options for HCC patients who progress under sorafenib? Hepatic Oncology 2016; 3(2): 105–108.

Tang KD, Liu J, Jovanovic L, An J, Hill MM, Vela I, Lee TK, Ma S, Nelson C, Russell PJ, Clements JA, Ling MT. Adipocytes promote prostate cancer stem cell self-renewal through amplification of the cholecystokinin autocrine loop. Oncotarget 2016; 7(4): 4939-48.

Tang KD, Holzapfel BM, Liu J, Lee TK, Ma S, Jovanovic L, An J, Russell PJ, Clements JA, Hutmacher DW, Ling MT. Tie-2 regulates the stemness and metastatic properties of prostate cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7(3): 2572-84.

Lau EY#, Lo J#, So FT, Lu P, Chan VS, Cheung VC, Ching RH,  Cheng BJ, Ma MK, Ng IO, Lee TK^. Anti-CD47 antibody suppresses tumor growth and augments the effect of chemotherapy treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2016; 36(5): 737-45. #equal contribution

2015

Ching RH, Lau EY, Ling PM, Lee JM, Ma MK, Cheng BJ, Lo RC, Ng IO, Lee TK^. Phosphorylation of nucleophosmin at threonine 234/237 is associated with HCC metastasis. Oncotarget 2015; 6(41): 43483-95.

Lo J, Lau EY, Ching RH, Cheng BY, Ma MK, Ng IO, Lee TK^. Nuclear factor kappa B-mediated CD47 up-regulation promotes sorafenib resistance and its blockade synergizes the effect of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. Hepatology 2015;62(2): 534-45.

Tong M, Fung TM, Luk ST, Ng KY, Lee TK, Lin CH, Yam JW, Chan KW, Ng F, Zheng BJ, Yuan YF, Xie D, Lo CM, Man K, Guan XY, Ma S. ANXA3/JNK signaling promotes self-renewal and tumor growth, and its blockade provides a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. Stem Cell Reports 2015;5(1): 45-59.

2014

Ma KF, Ng IO, Lee TK^. Roles of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Liver: Dis & Transplant 2014; 3: 2.

Liu J#, Lau EY#, Chen J, Yong J, Tang KD, Lo J, Ng IO, Lee TK^, Ling MT. Polysaccharopeptide enhanced the anti-cancer effect of gamma-tocotrienol through activation of AMPK. BMC Complement Altern Med 2014; 14: 303. #equal contribution

Lee TK^, Cheung VC, Lu P, Lau EY, Ma S, Tang KH, Tong M, Lo J, Ng IO. Blockade of CD47-mediated cathepsin S/protease-activated receptor 2 signaling provides a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2014; 60(1): 179-91.

Chai S, Tong M, Ng KY, Kwan PS, Chan YP, Fung TM, Lee TK, Wong N, Xie D, Yuan YF, Guan XY, Ma S. Regulatory role of miR-142-3p on the functional hepatic cancer stem cell marker CD133. Oncotarget 2014 5(14): 5725-35.

2010-2013

Lee TK, Cheung VC, Ng IO. Liver tumor initiating cells as therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2013; 338(1): 101-9.

Lo J, Ng IO, Lee TK^. CD47 – a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Liver: Dis & Transplant 2013; 2: 2.

Lau EY, Ng IO, Lee TK^. Cancer associated fibroblasts and hepatocellular carcinoma. J Liver: Dis & Transplant 2012; 1:2.

Tang KH, Ma S, Lee TK, Chan YP, Kwan PS, Tong CM, Ng IO, Man K, To KF, Lai PB, Lo CM, Guan XY, Chan KW. CD133(+) liver tumor-initiating cells promote tumor angiogenesis, growth, and self-renewal through neurotensin/interleukin-8/CXCL1 signaling. Hepatology 2012; 55(3): 807-20.

Tse EY, Ko FC, Tung EK, Chan LK, Lee TK, Ngan ES, Man K, Wong AS, Ng IO, Yam JW. Caveolin-1 overexpression is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis and metastasis. J Pathol 2012; 226(4): 645-53.

Luk SU, Lee TK, Liu J, Lee DT, Chiu YT, Ma S, Ng IO, Wong YC, Chan FL, Ling MT. Chemopreventive effect of PSP through targeting of prostate cancer stem cell-like population. PLoS One 2011; 6(5): e19804.

Lee TK, Castilho A, Cheung VC, Tang KH, Ma S, Ng IO. CD24(+) liver tumor-initiating cells drive self-renewal and tumor initiation through STAT3-mediated NANOG regulation. Cell Stem Cell 2011; 9(1): 50-63.
Selected as one of the top ten “feature research papers” of Cell Stem Cell in 2012.
Awarded the 2012 Faculty Outstanding Research Output Prize, Faculty of Medicine, HKU.

Ma S, Tang KH, Chan YP, Lee TK, Kwan PS, Castilho A, Ng IO, Man K, Lo CM, Wong N, To KF, Zheng BJ, Lai PB, Chan KW, Guan XY. miR-130b promotes CD133(+) liver tumor-initiating cell growth and self-renewal via tumor protein 53-induced nuclear protein 1. Cell Stem Cell 2010; 7(6): 694-707.
Awarded the 2011 Faculty Outstanding Research Output Prize, Faculty of Medicine, HKU.

Ma S, Chan YP, Kwan PS, Lee TK, Yan M, Tang KH, Ling MT, Vielkind JR, Guan XY, Chan KW. microRNA-616 induces androgen-independent growth of prostate cancer cells by suppressing expression of tissue factor pathway inhibitor TFPI-2. Cancer Res 2011; 71(2): 583-92. 

Lee TK, Castilho A, Cheung VC, Tang KH, Ma S, Ng IO. Lupeol targets liver tumor-initiating cells through phosphatase and tensin homolog modulation. Hepatology 2011; 53(1): 160-70.

Before 2010

Please see PubMed.